Best USB External SSD of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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USB External SSDs are compact and portable storage devices that offer lightning fast transfer speeds and high storage capacity. With USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity options, these SSDs are perfect for users who require quick and easy access to their files on the go. Their solid-state design makes them more durable than traditional hard drives, and they are available in a range of sizes to suit any storage needs. Whether it's for work or personal use, USB External SSDs provide a reliable and convenient storage solution for anyone who values speed and portability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover #TOP 1
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 2
Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB Cover #TOP 3
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 USB External SSD

#TOP 1

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a high-capacity drive that delivers NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. It is designed to endure tough conditions with up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The Carabiner loop makes it easy to attach to your belt or backpack, and it comes with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your content secure. The device is compatible with a range of USB Type-C smartphones, making it easy to back up mobile content.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds
Compact and portable design
Durable, rugged build
Reliable performance
Wide device compatibility
#TOP 2

Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD

MU-PC2T0T
Titan Gray
Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD Cover
Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray

The Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD is a high-speed external solid-state drive that offers incredible performance and convenience. With transfer speeds nearly 9.5 times faster than traditional hard disk drives, this SSD can read up to 1,050 MB/s and write up to 1,000 MB/s when connected to USB 3.2 Gen 2 supported devices. It also comes with a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, perfect for students, professionals, and gaming enthusiasts. The included USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables ensure optimal performance, and Samsung recommends downloading the latest firmware update using the included software. With its compact and portable design, the Samsung T7 2TB SSD is the ideal choice for those who need fast and reliable storage on the go.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds
Lightweight and portable
Reliable performance
Large storage capacity
Durable aluminum casing
#TOP 3

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB

MU-PG4T0B
Black
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB Cover
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)

The Samsung T9 Portable SSD is designed to keep up with your fast-paced projects by delivering impressive speeds, allowing you to load, edit, and transfer files quickly and smoothly. Its built-in cooling system helps prevent overheating, so the drive stays reliable even during long work sessions. You can use this SSD with a wide range of devices, from desktops to gaming consoles, making it versatile and convenient for various needs. Plus, it’s built to last, offering durable performance that supports your work or play from start to finish without slowing down or failing.

What We Like
Blazing-fast data transfer speeds
Rugged, shock-resistant build
Compact and travel-friendly
Reliable performance and stability
Works across multiple devices
#TOP 4

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

CT1000X10SSD9-02
Blue
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02

The Crucial X10 Portable SSD offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for creators, students, and gamers who need quick access to their files. Its durable design means you can take it anywhere, as it’s built to resist dust, water, and drops up to 9.8 feet, so you don’t have to worry about damage on the go. This SSD connects easily to a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles, giving you flexibility and convenience. Plus, with 1TB of storage, you have plenty of room to save your important photos, videos, games, and backups securely.

What We Like
Blazing fast file transfers
Compact and portable design
Reliable performance
Large storage capacity
Cross-platform compatibility

SSK 1TB USB Drive

SSK
SD301
Grey
1 TB
SSK 1TB USB Drive Cover
SSK 1TB USB Drive,External SSD Fast 550MB/s 2-in-1 Dual-Drive Type C+ A USB3.2 Gen2 Solid State ThumbDrive SSD-Stick for iPhone 15/16/PS4/Android Phone/Tablet/Windows/Mac

The SSK 1TB USB Drive is a high-speed external SSD that offers a convenient and efficient way to transfer data between devices. With its dual USB Type C + USB A ports, you can easily connect it to your smartphone, tablet, computer, car audio system, smart TV, and more. This allows you to free up space on your devices or quickly move pictures and movies. The SSK USB Drive boasts ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 550mb/s read and 520mb/s write, making it 10 times faster than traditional USB 3.0 drives. It is also plug and play, requiring no software installation, and is made of high-grade zinc alloy material for excellent shock resistance and heat dissipation. With its universal compatibility, you can use it with various devices and operating systems. Overall, the SSK 1TB USB Drive provides a reliable and efficient solution for all your data storage and transfer needs.

What We Like
Fast file transfer speed
Sturdy metal build quality
Dual USB-A and USB-C
Wide device compatibility
Generous storage capacity
#TOP 6

Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD

CT2000X9SSD902
Black
Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT2000X9SSD902

The Crucial X9 SSD offers remarkable speed with read rates up to 1050MB/s, making it ideal for transferring large files and editing 4K videos effortlessly. With a generous 2TB capacity, you can store countless games, photos, and important documents securely. It’s compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles and computers, ensuring fast data transfers with the included USB-C cable. Additionally, its compact and robust design provides protection against drops from heights of up to 7.5 feet, as well as water and dust resistance, making it a reliable choice for users on the go.

What We Like
Ultra-compact and lightweight design
High-speed data transfer
Large storage capacity
Wide device compatibility
Quiet, no moving parts
#TOP 7

SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD

SDSSDE81-4T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD is a powerful and reliable external solid state drive that offers lightning-fast NVMe performance. With read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, this SSD allows you to save time when storing and transferring data. Its forged aluminum chassis not only provides durability but also acts as a heatsink, ensuring higher sustained speeds. This portable drive is designed for adventure, with up to two-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The included carabiner loop allows for easy and secure attachment. With a 5-year limited warranty and password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption, you can trust that your data is safe and secure.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Sustained high-speed data transfers
Durable and rugged build
Excellent heat management
Large storage capacity options

SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD

SSK
SD500
Grey
SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD Cover
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

The SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD is a high-performance solid state drive with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed. It features a portable design made of 2mm thick aluminum alloy material, with excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions to protect your data. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and includes USB C to A cable and USB C to C cable, making it suitable for use with USB C smartphones, PS5, Xbox, laptops, and MacBook.

What We Like
High-performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed
Portable design made of durable materials
Compatible with various devices and includes two types of cables
Excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions
#TOP 9

Amazon Basics 1TB Portable External SSD

Amazon Basics
LSPSSD1TB
Black
Amazon Basics 1TB Portable External SSD Cover
Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, External Solid State Drive 1TB, speeds up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, Black

The Amazon Basics Portable SSD offers fast data transfer speeds up to 2000MB/s, making it ideal for quickly moving large files or backing up important data. Its compact and sturdy metal design ensures durability, so you can carry it around without worrying about damage. The drive also stays cool during heavy use thanks to advanced thermal protection, helping to prevent overheating. Plus, with an IP65 rating, it’s resistant to water and dust, giving you peace of mind when using it outdoors or on the go. Overall, this SSD is a reliable and convenient storage solution for your everyday needs.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds
Compact and lightweight
Durable, well-built design
Includes protective case and cables
IP65 water and dust resistance
#TOP 10

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD

SDSSDE30-1T00-G26
Black
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

Introducing the SanDisk Portable SSD - your perfect storage solution for your mobile lifestyle. With solid state performance and read speeds of up to 800MB/s, this portable drive ensures fast and efficient data transfer. Whether you're backing up your important content or capturing memories on the go, this durable drive has got you covered. It can withstand drops of up to two meters, making it perfect for your adventurous side. The tough rubber hook allows you to secure it to your belt loop or backpack, providing extra peace of mind. Trust in SanDisk, a brand that professional photographers rely on for their assignments.

What We Like
Super-fast transfer speed
Compact and lightweight design
Durable and robust build
Plug-and-play convenience
Reliable performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you plug an SSD into a USB port?

Yes, easily. All you need is an external hard drive enclose like this. Now this is for a standard 2.5″ SSD, if you have one of the smaller SSD's with a microSATA connector it gets more complicated. The speed is going to be limited to the speed of your USB connection.

2. Can SSD be connected externally?

But did you know SSDs can also be used as external storage? External storage is an easy and portable way to store all your files. Connected on the outside of your device, an external storage drive allows you to back up and move all your files from one computer to another.

3. Is there a USB SSD?

USB 3.1 Gen 2 is the latest version widely available in consumer external SSDs at this writing. PCIe external SSDs can take advantage of the extra 5Gbps of bandwidth, but you need to have a USB port that supports the spec to see the extra speed benefit.

4. What is SSD USB port?

Both are used to store files in solid-state flash RAM and can plug into a computer using a USB port. The main difference between them is their shape and size. SSDs are generally shaped like hard drives because they're usually used to replace internal hard drives, making it easy for them to fit into the computer bay.

Editor's Notes

During our usb external ssd research, we found 24 usb external ssd products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 664,630 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb external ssd list. We found that most customers choose usb external ssd with an average price of $277.88.

The usb external ssd are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb external ssd, including Sandisk, Samsung, Crucial, SSK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.